Dental Implants: What to Expect?
If you have missing teeth, you may be wondering if your smile can ever be the same again. Luckily, a dental implant can restore your smile permanently and leave you looking better than ever.
You may have heard of dental implants, but how do you know what to expect? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about dental implants, how to tell if you’re a good candidate, and what happens during every step of a dental implant procedure.
What is a Dental Implant?
You can think of a dental implant as a tooth root replacement. These implants are made of titanium metal and are inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of the natural tooth.
Once you have a dental implant, your dentist can attach an artificial replacement tooth to match the rest of your natural teeth.
Why Do People Get Dental Implants?
The main reason for getting dental implants is to replace missing teeth. You may lose a tooth for several reasons, including:
- Trauma or injury
- Decay
- Gum disease
- Poor nutrition
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Even if you have a missing tooth, a dental implant may not always be the right option for you. However, you may be a good candidate for dental implants if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have a jawbone that’s reached total growth
- Have a jaw bone thick enough for implants or can have a bone graft
- Have healthy oral tissues
- Don’t have health conditions that will affect bone healing
- Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
- Don’t smoke
If you have a missing tooth or a tooth that you needs to get removed, contact your dentist to see if you’ll be a good candidate for a dental implant.
Preparing for Dental Implants
The process of getting a dental implant can take several months to a year because the overall process requires one or more surgical procedures. Before you get a dental implant, you must:
- Get a comprehensive dental exam
- Have dental X-rays images taken
- Have models made of your teeth and jaw
- Review your medical history with your dentist to determine if you’re eligible for the procedure and to avoid any potential risks or complications
- Get a treatment plan from your dentist based on your needs and wants
What to Expect During the Procedure
The surgery takes place in several stages. The typical steps of a dental implant procedure include:
- Damaged tooth removal, if necessary
- Jawbone preparation and grafting, if necessary
- Dental implant placement
- Abutment placement
- Artificial tooth placement
Jawbone Preparation and Grafting
If your jawbone isn’t thick enough, your dentist may need to perform a bone graft before you can have dental implant surgery. A bone graft transplants bone to help create a more solid base for the implant.
Dental Implant Placement
To place the dental implant, your dentist or oral surgeon will:
- Makes a cut to open your gum and expose the bone
- Drill holes into the bone to create an opening
- Place the dental implant deep into your jaw bone
After a dental implant is placed, it may take months for your bones to finish healing before your dentist or oral surgeon can continue with the next steps of the process.
Abutment Placement
After your bones are healed, your dentist will begin the next phase: attaching the abutment. An abutment is where the new artificial tooth will eventually attach to the implant.
Artificial Tooth Placement
After your mouth is healed from the other stages, you will be ready for your artificial tooth, also known as a crown. Depending on your needs and wants, your crown can be:
- Fixed
- Permanent
- A combination of both
Post-Procedure Tips
How can you take after your dental implants once you’ve left your dentist’s office? Your care provider will go over post-operative care with you and will most likely give you an easy-to-follow guideline.
Some additional tips that can increase your chances of success include:
- Stick to soft foods for several days
- Brush your teeth carefully
- Use ice packs to lessen swelling
- Limit beverages that aren’t water
- Ase a warm saltwater solution to keep your mouth clean
- Avoid touching your mouth
The Takeaway
The entire process of a dental implant can take a long time from start to finish. Much of that time is devoted to healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in your jaw. Depending on your individual situation, the process can take shorter or longer.
If you have any questions about dental implants or what the procedure could look like for you, contact us today!